Agriculture Minister Amran Assures Indonesia's Rice Stock Nearly 5 Million Tonnes, El Niño Threat Poses No Issue

Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman has emphasised that the threat of the Godzilla El Niño phenomenon poses no problem for Indonesia. This is due to the government rice reserve (CBP) managed by Perum Bulog, which is projected to reach 5 million tonnes in the near future.

Amran stated that national food security is secure in facing global geopolitics and extreme drought caused by the Godzilla El Niño phenomenon. The current CBP stock stands at 4.9 million tonnes, the highest in Indonesia’s history.

“If this impact occurs, with Godzilla El Niño, it’s no problem. Why no problem? Because our stock (CBP) insha’Allah will reach 5 million tonnes in the next three days, the highest since the Republic’s independence,” said the Agriculture Minister after a meeting with 170 regents from across Indonesia at the Ministry of Agriculture office in Jakarta, quoted on Tuesday, 22 April 2026.

Amran emphasised that even if drought occurs, rice stocks are abundant, nearly double those of previous years, making the government optimistic that no food crisis will arise despite facing global dynamics and climate change.

“Previously, (CBP stock) reached 2.6 million tonnes in 1984, now nearly double,” he said.

In addition to reserves well-managed in Perum Bulog warehouses, national rice availability is supported by standing crops or rice ready for harvest, projected at 11 million tonnes, to strengthen food security amid potential El Niño impacts.

The government also records rice availability in the Horeca sector (Hotels, Restaurants, Cafes/Catering) at 12.5 million tonnes. Thus, the total managed rice reserves are very substantial and can meet needs for up to 11 months ahead.

The total potential combined stock from government warehouses, standing crops, and the Horeca sector is estimated to exceed consumption needs, providing a very solid guarantee of food security for all Indonesian people.

With an estimated El Niño impact predicted to last six months, the government is confident that these reserves, equivalent to 11 months, are more than sufficient to maintain price and supply stability.

“The estimated El Niño is only six months. Whereas our reserves (are projected to supply up to) 11 months. Meaning more than enough,” he explained.